Pet food experts have revealed the eleven superfoods dog lovers should be feeding their four-legged friends. The dog nutrition experts at Years.com have identified the foods packed with vitamins and minerals to help dogs live a healthier life.
Vegetables including sweet potato, kale and carrots are all on the list alongside grains and seeds, including quinoa and chia seeds. Promoting a healthy diet in dogs is vital in increasing longevity with a study by Dr Gerald Lippert highlighting dogs fed a fresh, whole food diet can live up to three years longer. Years.com has developed a Complete Nutrition System to maximize the lifespan of each breed of dog based on these principles and including a whole food meal, probiotics and prebiotics and a superfood supplement.
Founder Darren Beale from Years.com said: “Increasing the lifespan of our four-legged friends is central to everything we do at Years.com and feeding them a healthy, whole food diet is central to that. Our meals come with a superfood supplement, but superfoods can easily be added to what you’re already feeding your pet. It just takes a little extra time and preparation. Do check how much you should be allowing them based on breed and size - getting this bit right is essential in giving your pet a healthier, longer life.”
Sweet Potato
Sweet potato is a natural source of fiber and packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They’re one of the best dietary sources of vitamin A, which promotes a healthy coat, eyes, nerves, skin and muscles in dogs.
Watermelon
Watermelon is a nutritious superfood, with antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins A, B and C, potassium and magnesium. It’s mostly made up of water so a great summer time treat for sweaty dogs.
Carrots
Carrots are high in fiber and contain beta-carotene, which boosts immune health, supports eye health and improves your dogs coat and skin. Do remember to cut them into bite sized chunks before feeding to your dog.
Kale
All green leafy vegetables are good for dogs. Kale is full of fiber, high in iron, potassium and calcium, which support healthy bones and a healthy heart. It’s also full of vitamins A, C and K.
Turmeric
Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, and this compound has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which may support healthy joint mobility in your dog. It can help with other conditions including arthritis, cancer, allergies and dental, kidney and digestive disease.
Quinoa
Quinoa is a natural source of fiber, protein and essential amino acids. It also contains potassium, magnesium and vitamins B1 and E. Magnesium supports heart and nervous system functions, vitamin B1 supports metabolism and proper brain function with vitamin E nourishing coats and skin.
Pumpkin
Like carrots, pumpkins are rich in beta-carotene, which supports immune health, boosts eye health and your dog’s skin and coat. It’s also rich in antioxidants, calcium, iron and vitamins A, C and E.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are full of Omega-3, fiber, protein, antioxidants, iron, magnesium, calcium and B vitamins. They’ll boost your dog’s immune system, help improve skin and coat, support the joints and regulate blood sugar. Just sprinkle a small amount on top of your dog's meals.
Oily Fish
Oily fish has high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart, brain and joint health in your dog and improve the quality and condition of their coat and skin. Try using oily fish on their lick mat.
Eggs
Packed with protein, amino acid, essential fatty acids, vitamins and nutrients, the benefits of eating eggs include improved skin and coat for your dog. Do feed in moderation as they do have a high fat content and cook them thoroughly.
Berries
Berries are high in fiber and full of good vitamins. Blueberries are particularly good--they contain high levels of antioxidants that slow cell damage. They also support urinary tract health and have anti-inflammatory properties.
